Sunday, July 4, 2010

My goal here is to focus on the positive when there are positive to focus on. I'll attempt to do that is this recap... I just have to say this first.

The Rockies are doing a much better job at winning these tight games they were giving away early in the season. That said, I can't put them in the category of a team that's playing to their ability or hitting their stride just yet.

There are still a bunch of things they need to clean up in all phases of their game. Things we'd all be very frustrated about had this game gone the other way. I just want to keep that in perspective as we celebrate this one, because it's easy to get caught up in the roller coaster ride and downplay little details.

Now... The good stuff

Dexter Fowler

Whatever Rene Lachemann said to Fowler in the Springs was genuis. The lowering of his hands at the plate was genius. The disicipline, patience, poise and confidence he's playing with right now aren't genius, but they resemble that of a 5-time all-star. It's incredible to witness the results of his transformation.

The dynamic he gives this team if he's consistently reaching base cannot be understated. You back him up with Herrera, who exhibits most of the same traits, then you're creating nightmares for opponents on a daily basis. I love these two guys at the top of the order, and my hope is that Todd Helton can accept dropping to 6th or 7th in the order. He has if he wants to win.

Jason Hammel

Pitched his ass off for seven innings today. He knew he'd have to to match up with Matt Cain. That's really a lot of pressure for a pitcher when you think about it, but he handled it again.

Unfortunately, he tired in the 8th and was unable to get his win. Anybody who wants to blame Jim Tracy for that has my permission, because allowing Hammel to bat with 105 pitches under his belt screamed of backfire. The Rockies defense also contributed to this, but we're just thankful it cost the entire team a win.

Huston Street

Is back. All the way.

Esmil Rogers

How nice is it to have a long reliever that can actually throw strikes and give you innings? This kid's arm is electric. And to pitch over Seth Smith's defensive gaffe the way he did showed incredible poise. It really was as good a relief appearance as you'll see.

Now, we just have to hope Tracy doesn't feel the need to use him every day and run him into the ground like Corpas.

*exhale* Being positive.

Chris Iannetta

Looking better with each start at the plate. It's easy to overlook him reaching base five times in this game... including a bomb off of Cain in the 6th. It's encouraging to see. Now he just needs to work on comminucating with his third base teammates on pop fouls. These balls need to get caught! And we don't need anymore injuries.

Day Off

Could not come at a better time for this team... or for any of us!

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July to all of you. Be safe if you're out there having fun tonight or you're traveling back home tomorrow.